National Attention

Lesson today! Before we began, we talked a bit more about upcoming competitions. He already knew about Casper in February but I added that I had my heart set on going to SLC for Nationals in April but that dream was dashed because I wasn't able to test my Silver FS by the deadline and you aren't allowed to skate up at Nationals. I told him I didn't want to skate Bronze because I don't want to piss off my friends (who were really happy that I moved up and wouldn't have to compete against me anymore). He told me he really wants me to do it anyway. Bronze is still technically my level and we don't know when Nationals will be this close to Denver (normally, I think they happen on the east coast). He made a point in that, skill-wise, I'm really a Bronze level skater. He's right. I'm still struggling with Camels and backspins are nonexistent. My Lutz is cheated and my Flip is a disaster. I'm a strong Bronze level skater but my technique is sloppy so, even if I did enter at Bronze, it's not a guarantee that I would even make the podium. He encouraged me to go for it instead of missing out on something I really want to do just because I'm worried about what other people think. I have until February 1st at midnight to decide. But I'm thinking I might do it. He was so excited for me and that got me excited about it again :)

Power Circles - Not a lot of time to look at Gold Moves but, since the session was light, he wanted to see the Power Circles. He said it looks better in terms of pattern size but it still needs a little work to expand it out even more. Again, my bad sides look better than my good sides and backwards is better than forwards.  But, hey, it's coming along. I'm glad he sees improvement. 

Solo Free Dance - Getting it spruced up for Casper! We ran sections of it first without the music. He seemed pleased. The camel is still a problem. Ugh. So, I ran it for him with the music and (no surprise here) the camel didn't go. Everything else was nice. He even said my emotion was better. But we have to do something with the damn camel! It's just too inconsistent right now to put it in so we are changing it to a layback. He asked to see it and it's okay. He pointed out that I'm spending too much time in the open position before I go back into the layback. He would really like for me to get into position sooner. So yeah, change of spin it is!

Pattern Dances - We didn't do any of them to the music, just audible counts. We started with the Hickory. This is nice. I really need to watch my tracking on the end pattern. I'm just a little off to his left side and that's making it difficult for him to turn forward. I need to be right in front of him for it to work smoothly. Next, we worked on the Willow. This is coming along. Finally, the Ten Fox. The end pattern really needs work. It needs to be sharp movements with neat feet. Overall, these are looking like progress is happening. 

So yeah, this is going to be a big year for me in terms of skating. I'm still working on my Silver FS and now I have to resurrect my "In the Air Tonight" Bronze FS. My Solo Free Dance is getting ready for testing and the pattern dances are getting polished as well. Gold Moves are continuing to evolve. I'm tired just thinking of all of the things that need work.